White House thinks it can tell the press this and still not be blamed for shutdown: "Not giving an inch is seen as best strategy for win at White House"

Officials suggested that a refusal to negotiate over funding the government was the winning strategy.

White House officials expressed confidence they wouldn’t have to back down in the slightest, while aides close to Obama, former administration officials and top Democratic strategists who confer with the White House say the chances of them negotiating with Republicans are slim to none. . . .